Before the Flood

Producer, Leonardo DiCaprio, and director, Fisher Stevens, released their feature-length documentary this past Sunday, October 31.

“Before the Flood presents a riveting account of the dramatic changes now occurring around the world due to climate change, as well as the actions we as individuals and as a society can take to prevent the disruption of life on our planet.”

“Climate change is happening. That’s a fact. The science is sound, and in July we just had the hottest month ever on record. Sea levels are rising, ice is melting, and dangerous weather patterns are becoming more and more frequent. It’s no coincidence that we’re seeing more news reports of horrible flooding and violent tornadoes at odd times of the year. So yes, climate change is happening and it’s terrifying. But what is there to be done about it? That’s one of the central questions of the documentary Before the Flood, which is directed by Oscar-winning The Cove helmer Fisher Stevens and produced by Leonardo DiCaprio. DiCaprio doesn’t simply pop in and out of the documentary at his convenience—he’s in nearly every scene, speaking with some of the world’s top scientists and the individuals that have the power to do something about climate change, from President Obama to Pope Francis.”

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“Before the Flood isn’t simply interested in showing how terrible everything is. It also does a fantastic job of highlighting solutions, both short-term and long-term. When asked if a president who doesn’t believe in climate change could undo the policies he’s already put in place, President Obama says the truth has a way of catching up with you. Indeed, the film points out that public opinion tends to sway political opinion, using gay marriage as an example—Obama was against it when it wasn’t popular, then for it when the majority of the country approved. Thus, the future is in the hands of the people.”